tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32201485882224001072014-10-02T23:48:37.558-07:00RODD RACERToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-36261599516931071362012-02-25T12:10:00.001-08:002012-02-25T12:11:30.886-08:00Sketchbook<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJOk7j20VJA/T0lAbC_G5qI/AAAAAAAABRM/l_iAPO4Vt0s/s1600/sketchbook%2Bpic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mJOk7j20VJA/T0lAbC_G5qI/AAAAAAAABRM/l_iAPO4Vt0s/s400/sketchbook%2Bpic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713168435698394786" /></a>Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-39562696172159447292012-01-20T15:56:00.001-08:002012-01-20T16:03:19.539-08:00THUNDER ALLEY print<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tbxm9JDrSY/Txn_QQQGz1I/AAAAAAAABMg/tSV8vTOvzXo/s1600/_T.Cypress_WEB_Thunder-Alle.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 195px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tbxm9JDrSY/Txn_QQQGz1I/AAAAAAAABMg/tSV8vTOvzXo/s400/_T.Cypress_WEB_Thunder-Alle.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699867458119585618" /></a><br /><br /><br />THUNDER ALLEY Print.<br />$26 (includes shipping)<br />11"x17" Hahnemühle museum etching archival textured paper. <br /><br />Thunder Alley where the city's best racers risk everything for greatness. From the pages of T.Cypress's critically acclaimed graphic novel RODD RACER, this new, original work depicts the climatic moments as racers battle towards the finish line.<br /><br />Features bright, textured colors on acid free, archival paper. A stunning piece for an office, living room, or collector's gallery. <br />Every piece is signed by the artist Toby Cypress mailed flat, and ready for framing. <br /><br />for purchase please follow link- <a href="http://outofsteparts.bigcartel.com/product/thunder-alley-print">PURCHASE HERE!!!</a><br /><br /><br />Thanks!<br />~T.CypressToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-89618381748703115302011-07-06T10:15:00.000-07:002011-07-06T10:16:16.901-07:00RODD RACER IN STORES NOW!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XKO_nKHq-U/ThSYWx1koAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/IRDTJSl8moc/s1600/RRInStoresNow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XKO_nKHq-U/ThSYWx1koAI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/IRDTJSl8moc/s400/RRInStoresNow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626289351595171842" /></a>Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-14928341886206711532011-07-05T10:52:00.000-07:002011-07-05T10:59:25.240-07:00RODD RACER WIDE RELEASE JULY 6!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fK-wFiuYa7Q/ThNQSwm_roI/AAAAAAAAAaA/yAB3dXdUppo/s1600/RRCover.samp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fK-wFiuYa7Q/ThNQSwm_roI/AAAAAAAAAaA/yAB3dXdUppo/s400/RRCover.samp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5625928642732207746" /></a><br /><br />The release is FINALLY HERE!!!<br />Here is a link to a preview- http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=9127<br />Please pick up your wide release edition from Image Comics at a comic shop near you. If sold out, please ask the store to order your copy from from Diamond Distribution.<br /><br />And see me at the San Diego Comic Con for a copy of RODD RACER, and a free sketch!<br />Thanks You for your amazing support of RODD RACER!<br /><br />~T.CypressToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-38603110738370516362011-07-01T05:57:00.000-07:002011-07-01T05:59:17.699-07:00RODD RACER INTERVIEW!<a href="http://www.newsarama.com/comics/rodd-racer-interview-image-110616.html">HERE!!</a><br /><br />Thanks to Newsarama for the great interview. <br />RODD RACER will be in stores THIS WEEK, JULY 6th<br /><br />~T.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-71481663284183561492011-06-29T20:46:00.000-07:002011-06-29T20:54:35.852-07:00SEE YOU AT SDCC!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ta4qm4DttkY/Tgvx0EUNjaI/AAAAAAAAAZc/TH9GLWajX-U/s1600/cc2011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 138px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ta4qm4DttkY/Tgvx0EUNjaI/AAAAAAAAAZc/TH9GLWajX-U/s400/cc2011.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623854436516203938" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'll have copies of RODD RACER to sign, prints, and original art for purchase. Also check out my advance preview of KURSK issue #1. <br /><br />You can also find me hanging out at Tr!ckster. here is info www.trickstertrickster.com<br /><br />More info soon!<br />~T.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-37198430561888186372011-01-24T12:50:00.000-08:002011-01-24T12:55:27.419-08:00Listen to my PODCAST appearance on SIDEBAR.<a href="http://www.sidebarnation.com/my_weblog/2010/12/toby-cypress.html">SIDEBAR PODCAST!!</a><br />^that's the link to my interview at Sidebar Nation, a wonderful podcast focused on pop culture illustration. I had a great experience with the Sidebar group.<br />go listen now!<br /><br />~T.CypressToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-2536717496643661632011-01-16T11:42:00.000-08:002011-01-16T11:45:16.658-08:00RODD RACER COLOR<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TTNKspafAxI/AAAAAAAAATo/42httJ8gAuk/s1600/colorroddracer_007_C.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TTNKspafAxI/AAAAAAAAATo/42httJ8gAuk/s400/colorroddracer_007_C.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562872095624332050" /></a>Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-67440786189039860742010-11-30T21:23:00.000-08:002010-12-20T07:40:45.834-08:00RODD RACER available now for a LIMITED TIME ONLY!!<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOG_video_class" id="BLOG_video-39f83305adb3320f" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/get_player"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="flashvars" value="flvurl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D39f83305adb3320f%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dblogger%26app%3Dblogger%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%3Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1429973765%26sparams%3Dip,ipbits,expire,id,itag,source%26signature%3D2D3ECD83C5CF8BD0ABE442DDB445FC4A6A291336.1523E0F34088666ED2C7A4913B50C73B9E5D1F99%26key%3Dck2&amp;iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3D39f83305adb3320f%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DEoyj0kDMqQz_p3Ovml4A1DOGxFY&amp;autoplay=0&amp;ps=blogger"><embed src="//www.youtube.com/get_player" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" height="266" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="flvurl=http://redirector.googlevideo.com/videoplayback?id%3D39f83305adb3320f%26itag%3D5%26source%3Dblogger%26app%3Dblogger%26cmo%3Dsensitive_content%3Dyes%26ip%3D0.0.0.0%26ipbits%3D0%26expire%3D1429973765%26sparams%3Dip,ipbits,expire,id,itag,source%26signature%3D2D3ECD83C5CF8BD0ABE442DDB445FC4A6A291336.1523E0F34088666ED2C7A4913B50C73B9E5D1F99%26key%3Dck2&iurl=http://video.google.com/ThumbnailServer2?app%3Dblogger%26contentid%3D39f83305adb3320f%26offsetms%3D5000%26itag%3Dw160%26sigh%3DEoyj0kDMqQz_p3Ovml4A1DOGxFY&autoplay=0&ps=blogger" allowFullScreen="true" /></object><br /><br />UPDATE: 12.20.10<br />RODD RACER is now SOLD OUT.<br />Thank you all who have ordered the book, your support for the book will not be forgotten. <br />I have plans for a wider release later next year with Image Comics, so if you could not get your hands on this limited release edition, look for it next spring at your local comic shops...but more info on that later.<br /><br />I will continue shipping final orders this week, and next for those still waiting to receive their copy. Thanks again!<br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like to contact me at Punkrock*Jazz Publishing please email:<br />punkrockjazz@gmail.com<br />or snail mail:<br />Toby Cypress<br />1108 Laurel Ave.<br />Sea Girt, NJ 08750<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />refunds available if sold out.<br /><br />If you can not get a copy now, arrangements are being made with a large publisher for wide distribution next spring 2011.<br /><br />Thank you for your support!!!<br />~T.Cypress & Punkrock*Jazz Publishing.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-63391955492425555222010-10-25T08:26:00.000-07:002010-11-30T21:22:59.768-08:00NYCC<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TMWhuOB3KGI/AAAAAAAAASU/dNzcADeVoxU/s1600/100_0382.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TMWhuOB3KGI/AAAAAAAAASU/dNzcADeVoxU/s400/100_0382.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532005532706482274" /></a><br /><br />The RODD RACER Limited Edition sold out by Saturday, so I spent Sunday finishing commissions, and shopping for old comics. The general release of RODD RACER is being prepared for NOVEMBER.<br />LIMITED EDITION NYCC COLLECTOR'S PRINTS are still available for $50. send an email to punkrockjazz@gmail.com for shipping info.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-13481573113542336412010-10-04T09:39:00.000-07:002010-10-04T09:55:34.623-07:00Broken Frontier article on RODD RACER!Tyler Chin Tanner is a former student of mine, whose gone on to doing great things as an independent publisher. It's not easy self publishing, I'm learning that as a new publisher myself.<br />He has also started a website called BROKEN FRONTIER that covers the news in comics, and pop-culture, and doing a great job at it! Hardest working man in show business?<br />Here is a link to an article he wrote as a former student watching me create RODD RACER.<br /><a href="http://www.brokenfrontier.com/columns/p/detail/rodd-racing-at-nycc">http://www.brokenfrontier.com/columns/p/detail/rodd-racing-at-nycc</a><br /><br />Thanks Tyler!<br />Here's a link to their comics-<br /><a href="http://www.awaveblueworld.com/v03/">http://www.awaveblueworld.com/v03/</a><br />and <br /><a href="http://www.brokenfrontier.com/">http://www.brokenfrontier.com/</a><br />~T.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-2378244140999513892010-10-01T15:00:00.000-07:002010-10-01T15:06:04.375-07:00This is what your Limited Edition Print looks like!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TKZaRE1TQSI/AAAAAAAAASM/Tj6w2zA6a3c/s1600/RRLimitedPrint_photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TKZaRE1TQSI/AAAAAAAAASM/Tj6w2zA6a3c/s400/RRLimitedPrint_photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523201242418069794" /></a><br />...except better, because it doesn't come with a disembodied hand.<br /><br />This is poster #1 in a limited series of 4 variants. If you are hoping to collect all 4 variants, then you should get to the NYCC early :)<br />posters #2-4 release later this month.<br /><br />Booth# J-4<br /><br />~T.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-8046460877848556072010-09-28T04:12:00.000-07:002010-09-28T04:19:39.164-07:00The RODD RACER Limited Edition Collector's PRINT<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TKHNzfQP0oI/AAAAAAAAAR8/V_Ie7AO8OaM/s1600/RoddRacerPRINTsample.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TKHNzfQP0oI/AAAAAAAAAR8/V_Ie7AO8OaM/s400/RoddRacerPRINTsample.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521920902579606146" /></a><br /><br />Here is a look at the Limited Edition Print I'll have available at NYCC. There are only 10 prints-signed, and numbered. measured at 12"x 34". They are $50<br /><br />The books are EXTREMELY limited as well, so please stop by artist's alley for a look early. <br />See you there!<br />~T.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-38353811046657163842010-07-29T05:38:00.000-07:002010-07-29T05:53:00.885-07:00RODD RACER at NYCC 2010!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TFF5f5s5nII/AAAAAAAAARQ/QbgBzUWojSs/s1600/RRCover.samp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/TFF5f5s5nII/AAAAAAAAARQ/QbgBzUWojSs/s400/RRCover.samp.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499310208968137858" /></a><br /><br /><br />RODD RACER will be available at this year's New York Comic Con in October 2010 at the Jakob Javitz Center as a NYCC Limited Edition. Wider release available later in the year.<br /><br />The advance limited edition comes with a sketch section which I will be providing original sketches, and autographs for those I get to meet at the show. So please drop by Artist's Alley at NYCC in October, and get your long awaited copy of RODD RACER, with the cool sketch. I'll love meeting you!<br /><br />The Limited NYCC Edition...is EXTREMELY limited, so please arrive early!<br /><br />Thanks :)<br />~T.CypressToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-65026890754912415472009-04-09T12:06:00.001-07:002009-04-20T09:36:43.742-07:00Character 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5HaOJ09AI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/-WkBwemQYzM/s1600-h/Blakey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5HaOJ09AI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/-WkBwemQYzM/s320/Blakey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322770325399991298" /></a><br /><br /><br />"Bomber" Blakey<br /><br />"...Ace Racer, mastered horsepower, and survival. This veteran of street racing was recognized as the arena's best racer 1920-1928 before retiring atop the racing world.<br /><br />In retirement, Blakey opened his own shop customizing engines, again earning distinction as the arena's best technician as his engines continued to win matches for younger racers.<br /><br />1932, Blakey mentors Rodd, and Susie (Rodd's fiance) into a powerful racing team. Teaching Susie how to build a powerful car, and teaching Rodd how to handle the aggressive maneuvers demanded in the horsepower.<br /><br />1939 a destructive gambling habit forces Blakey to turn to Sidd Vicious, and his Yakuza gangsters that run racing for assistance. Sidd offers Blakey a clean debt if he returns from retirement for one more match of exhibition in the arena of street racing.<br /><br />Blakey did not survive the exhibition as his car exploded in a terrific ball of fire as he neared closer to his final victory. It is rumored that Sidd made a substantial sum on Blakey's death."<br /><br />Blakey is sort of the backbone of the story. He's referred to alot but we rarely see him. He died a couple years before our story begins. But Blakey is my favorite character in the story. He represents my mentors, alive, and dead that have influenced me. In the story he has a presence that is almost like a ghost, or a guardian angel. <br /><br />When times are tough professionally, or privately, I often think back to my favorite artists, mentors, friends, or family and try to imagine how they might approach a challenge, or solve a problem. Sometimes it's easier to get thru the tough times when I feel I'm not alone in this thing...so I wanted a character in the book that also communicates that in me.<br /><br />Blakey represents myself the most, as the artist, teacher that I hope to live up to. In my life, my most rewarding moments have occurred while teaching illustration to talented students. So, Blakey has been the easiest character in the book to identify with.<br /><br />Blakey is named after my favorite musician Art Blakey of the "Jazz Messengers".<br />-TToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-27095478687847499742009-04-09T11:52:00.001-07:002009-04-09T12:02:18.403-07:00PAGES<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5GLtabv-I/AAAAAAAAAOI/RTe7NLjMvZM/s1600-h/RACER-scans-037.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5GLtabv-I/AAAAAAAAAOI/RTe7NLjMvZM/s320/RACER-scans-037.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322768976581476322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5GLaSJZbI/AAAAAAAAAOA/H0vL707y3Q4/s1600-h/cover.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5GLaSJZbI/AAAAAAAAAOA/H0vL707y3Q4/s320/cover.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322768971446445490" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5GLYZ2gxI/AAAAAAAAAN4/wagl169elsU/s1600-h/44.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sd5GLYZ2gxI/AAAAAAAAAN4/wagl169elsU/s320/44.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322768970941891346" /></a>Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-60623435047529396312009-03-26T07:50:00.000-07:002009-03-27T07:45:07.795-07:00Character 2<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ScuWm86uiMI/AAAAAAAAAMs/qDNZNzKHKtI/s1600-h/Drag%27On-and-Car13.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 297px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ScuWm86uiMI/AAAAAAAAAMs/qDNZNzKHKtI/s320/Drag%27On-and-Car13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317509380972644546" /></a><br />Drag' On.<br />A tragic, and mysterious figure in the story. <br /><br />"Kirko was one of the greatest young racers of her time, and poised to assume many of racing's most cherished records before a horrible accident cut short her attempt for a 13th straight victory. The beautiful young racer died on the track that day, but was offered a new chance to achieve her glory when the Yakuza Crime Clan resurrected Kirko with cybernetic twitch react/response reflexes that have enhanced her skills for deadly purpose. <br />Drag' On was born, a lethal racer, and...now a lethal hitman for the Yakuza Crime Clan."<br /><br />Drag' On is one of the antagonists of Rodd Racer, and in a way, plays the greatest role in the story.<br />Both Rodd, and Drag'On have very similar purposes for their lives, but chose different paths to achieve them.<br /><br />Drag' On might be my favorite character in the story...certainly my favorite to draw :)<br /><br />I think Drag' On represents myself at my most creative, focused, and most risky. Those are the times I tend to be my best.<br /> But I also sacrifice a lot of myself, my family, friends because I can become very focused on my goals, and forget about what really matters in fulfilled living.<br />-Balance.<br /> Drag' On has chosen to go a bit too far in one direction...and that could lead to people dying ;)<br />-TToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-50828153779226980702009-02-26T09:51:00.000-08:002009-02-26T11:22:30.015-08:00The Rough Stuff<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SabrLj71SBI/AAAAAAAAAME/rHN94uxSlDI/s1600-h/photo1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SabrLj71SBI/AAAAAAAAAME/rHN94uxSlDI/s320/photo1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307187794759993362" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2pD5SJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/ZoTb3FbJkXY/s1600-h/photo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2pD5SJI/AAAAAAAAAL8/ZoTb3FbJkXY/s320/photo2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307187435358734482" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2ZKiwsI/AAAAAAAAAL0/htBSS55ADIA/s1600-h/photo3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2ZKiwsI/AAAAAAAAAL0/htBSS55ADIA/s320/photo3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307187431091651266" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2Tv3lfI/AAAAAAAAALs/Ev79Qofwe4k/s1600-h/photo4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2Tv3lfI/AAAAAAAAALs/Ev79Qofwe4k/s320/photo4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307187429637592562" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2N5sXGI/AAAAAAAAALk/kMCDQI7nkLE/s1600-h/photo5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2N5sXGI/AAAAAAAAALk/kMCDQI7nkLE/s320/photo5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307187428068187234" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2NPvD9I/AAAAAAAAALc/ZenD4DDRgWY/s1600-h/45.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/Sabq2NPvD9I/AAAAAAAAALc/ZenD4DDRgWY/s320/45.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307187427892203474" /></a><br /><br /><br />Wanted to post a little rough work.<br />Sorry for the poor photos... <br />Here you can see how loose my pencils are when I start inking. I like to keep my inks looking very spontaneous, and alive if possible. So, I pencil very roughly...mostly focused on space, gesture. All the details are fleshed out, and finalized in my inks, this way I feel like things don't look too stiff, or "polished". <br /><br />You can kind of compare photos 2, and 3. I had alot of rough stuff to decipher, panels 1,2, and 4 kind of show how I interpreted my loose pencils, and cleaned them up in the inks.<br /><br />Photo 5 shows my typical "penciled" page, where I stop penciling, and start inking. I've had enough experience inking my chicken scratch that I can understand what I'm going for without a laborious drawing tightened to death. <br /><br />I mostly learned how to ink my loose pencils by deadline. I simply never had the time to pencil and ink, so I had to learn how to do both at the same time.<br /><br /><br />...next time I hope to post some more on the Characters of Rodd Racer.<br />See you then, <br />-TobyToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-14230102002369182042008-12-23T13:07:00.001-08:002008-12-26T15:58:46.569-08:00Character<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SVFTZuo5kHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/dVtaRLFuagY/s1600-h/Rodd.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 137px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SVFTZuo5kHI/AAAAAAAAAKo/dVtaRLFuagY/s320/Rodd.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283095539363713138" /></a><br /><br />RODD<br />"He keeps his past to himself, but Rodd's always been running from something.<br /><br />Former stunt driver, turned racing legend, Rodd has made a reputation built on risk.<br />But, he's finally risked far too much by involving himself and his love Susie with gangsters that want them both dead."<br /><br />Each of the characters portray a bit of myself I suppose, different aspects.<br />Rodd, obviously, represents my most ambitious nature...or my most naive.<br /><br />Hopes, and regrets. Accomplishments, and mistakes. All of the characters in Rodd Racer represent certain experiences in my private, or professional life.<br /><br />As much as I like the character, there is alot I really dislike. <br />Of all the character's in the story, I think Rodd is the one I put the most work into, but is the least familiar to myself.<br /><br />-TobyToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-29793665241397885102008-12-09T16:42:00.000-08:002008-12-09T17:02:13.358-08:00FIGHT!I've always loved old movie fights. The camera fixed several feet away, and we see actors jumping from one end of the screen to the other. The choreography might look a bit clumsy at times, but great moments...like Errol Flynn's Robin Hood, really paid off. <br />For me, in 1980, at 6 years old, that's what I imagined fights to be. Elegant...harmless.<br /><br />My first real fight was in high school, nothing like Errol Flynn...<br /><br />These pages were inspired by those old movie fights. 1930's gangster films that had some gritty fights, without the complex editing, or heroic musical score we have today. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST8VBA5TiwI/AAAAAAAAAKg/BqXGM_fIFGE/s1600-h/e.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST8VBA5TiwI/AAAAAAAAAKg/BqXGM_fIFGE/s320/e.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277960395465919234" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST8VAxeP1HI/AAAAAAAAAKY/Y-Xj5YNYug8/s1600-h/f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST8VAxeP1HI/AAAAAAAAAKY/Y-Xj5YNYug8/s320/f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277960391325897842" /></a>Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-59636271439990520412008-12-09T12:18:00.000-08:002008-12-09T12:22:04.717-08:00UPDATE...finallyThanks to those that reminded me to update my blog.<br />more soon...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TF9n4gbI/AAAAAAAAAJw/6zozBct7U2Q/s1600-h/d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TF9n4gbI/AAAAAAAAAJw/6zozBct7U2Q/s320/d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277887912719450546" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFvFtSMI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Zw1i3NLvobg/s1600-h/c.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFvFtSMI/AAAAAAAAAJo/Zw1i3NLvobg/s320/c.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277887908818012354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFcNbMTI/AAAAAAAAAJg/ScpQYJ9PBlM/s1600-h/b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 219px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFcNbMTI/AAAAAAAAAJg/ScpQYJ9PBlM/s320/b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277887903750107442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFb8QtHI/AAAAAAAAAJY/9Xt7XRElxMM/s1600-h/a.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 141px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFb8QtHI/AAAAAAAAAJY/9Xt7XRElxMM/s320/a.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277887903678116978" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFJ84F4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/ARqlddqP_Is/s1600-h/Drag%27on-Rides.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST7TFJ84F4I/AAAAAAAAAJQ/ARqlddqP_Is/s320/Drag%27on-Rides.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277887898848860034" /></a>Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-71449735122027745052008-12-08T14:12:00.000-08:002009-01-27T19:32:53.406-08:00REFERENCE<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IDPN8evI/AAAAAAAAAJI/b1nu4j9Zoh0/s1600-h/10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IDPN8evI/AAAAAAAAAJI/b1nu4j9Zoh0/s200/10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277594296298273522" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IClDTPYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ncX3Jq1cTks/s1600-h/9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IClDTPYI/AAAAAAAAAJA/ncX3Jq1cTks/s200/9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277594284979338626" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3ICKeQIWI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JF56VT6ujuU/s1600-h/8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3ICKeQIWI/AAAAAAAAAI4/JF56VT6ujuU/s200/8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277594277844623714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IB8NZVnI/AAAAAAAAAIw/StTkEPtICFg/s1600-h/7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IB8NZVnI/AAAAAAAAAIw/StTkEPtICFg/s200/7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277594274015827570" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IBUnL7UI/AAAAAAAAAIo/vF6iN7aTK74/s1600-h/6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/ST3IBUnL7UI/AAAAAAAAAIo/vF6iN7aTK74/s200/6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277594263386582338" /></a><br />Last summer I stopped by a local car show and took some reference photos for RODD RACER.Toby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-41308161136745422432008-12-08T12:24:00.000-08:002008-12-08T14:12:11.981-08:00NEW MYTHSPlease check out my RODD RACER interview at NEW MYTHS <a href="http://www.newmyths.com">here</a><br /> <br />Also check out the other stories. Spend time at the website, lots of cool sci-fi stories.<br /> I'm very proud to be part of their anniversary issue. Thanks to everybody at New Myths!<br /><br />visit-<br /><a href="http://www.newmyths.com">www.newmyths.com</a><br /><br />-TobyToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-37872414305417031152008-05-09T16:21:00.000-07:002008-05-09T16:39:05.015-07:00The City part2<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTgZlXtcCI/AAAAAAAAADs/Xn4nUoHq7_o/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTgZlXtcCI/AAAAAAAAADs/Xn4nUoHq7_o/s320/11.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198526600025305122" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTgaFXtcDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/d1UVUfzufpQ/s1600-h/13page.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTgaFXtcDI/AAAAAAAAAD0/d1UVUfzufpQ/s320/13page.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198526608615239730" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTgalXtcEI/AAAAAAAAAD8/SiKdOiaNms0/s1600-h/12.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTgalXtcEI/AAAAAAAAAD8/SiKdOiaNms0/s320/12.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198526617205174338" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTga1XtcFI/AAAAAAAAAEE/dbpM7tBBN38/s1600-h/28.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SCTga1XtcFI/AAAAAAAAAEE/dbpM7tBBN38/s320/28.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198526621500141650" /></a><br />Here are more examples of the environment. Inspirations include Blade Runner, Metropolis...Those movies really struck a cord with me mostly due to their epic scale. But, as you see, I really want a diverse personality to the city. Parts are inspired by Roman designs, parts Shanghai, then other parts are punk scene references. <br /><br />A big help to me has been the books "New York in the Thirties" by Berenice Abbott, "The Metropolis of Tomorrow" by Hugh Ferriss, and "Film Architecture" by Dietrich Neumann.<br /><br />Next week we'll talk characters.<br />-TobyToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3220148588222400107.post-68635955405715244282008-04-30T13:37:00.000-07:002008-04-30T14:11:36.069-07:00The City<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SBjfcFlhgCI/AAAAAAAAADc/p3KuXLIL0AY/s1600-h/14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_47M5kZ2QGAQ/SBjfcFlhgCI/AAAAAAAAADc/p3KuXLIL0AY/s320/14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195147843800760354" /></a><br />Thank you to everybody that has expressed interest in RODD RACER.<br />And thank you for your patience, this project has been very hard work, and I still have a ton of work left.<br /><br />So, for my first official post I decided to start with "the city". The environment in which the story takes place. It doesn't have a name, inspired by Fritz Lang's designs, and noir films. The city is huge, and the story spans thru each borough, screaming past art deco, shanghai, roman deco, punk deco...it's been alot of fun designing the "personality" of the environment. Since the story doesn't have a specific time frame in which it takes place, I wanted the city to feel futuristic, and yet vintage at the same time. Kind of a "neverwhere" so to speak. <br />This piece is not the actual "finished" version, only a work in progress. <br /><br /><br /><br />Release date/Publisher?<br /><br />Many people have emailed me asking for a release date, and a publisher.<br />I don't have a release date yet because I'm working on RODD RACER between paying gigs that support my independent projects such as RACER. <br /><br />My first love is my creator owned concepts, and I intend to release books that I can be very proud of. Rodd Racer is my first, and I'm learning alot, improving alot. Future books of mine are already benefiting from my patience in RODD RACER.<br /><br />RODD RACER has been in production for 3 years...WOW. It's nearly done, and it will be released this year, likely late summer.<br /><br />I still have a problem with finding a suitable publisher, I'm hoping to go with Image comics, but I have had very slow experiences with them, and they seem totally overwhelmed with projects for the time being. I've had a good relationship with them for the past few years, and hope that RODD RACER will be published with them.<br /><br />There are many publishers that have expressed an interest in publishing RODD RACER, but working as an indy creator can be very slow in nailing down commitments. I'm hoping to work with people that will bend over backwards in working with RACER, promoting, and believing in my work as much as I do. <br /><br />So, as soon as I find a publisher that doesn't flake out, then we'll have a solid release date.<br /><br />More news, and art next week!<br />-TToby Cypresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10644922081517196291noreply@blogger.com3